INTRODUCTION 



The question of assessment and taxation of forest land has been 

 widely discussed; given careful consideration by students of taxa- 

 tion problems, also by woodland owners, and has in many States 

 been the cause of legislation. 



The underlying principal has been that the land should pay its 

 just proportion of tax but that the growing forest should not be 

 assessed. There have been various attempts in this State to enact 

 taxation laws which would encourage reforesting of denuded areas, 

 induce woodland owners to properly manage their natural growth 

 and otherwise secure a more equitable taxation of forest lands. 



The last session of the Legislature enacted three forest taxation 

 laws. Two of them relate to reforested lands and one to woodlots. 

 These laws either exempt the land and crop from assessment and 

 taxation until such time as a revenue is available, or reduce the 

 assessment to the value of the land only for a period of years. 



It is hoped that all land owners will carefully read these laws 

 and avail themselves of the benefits. 



There will be found on the following pages not only a complete 

 copy of these laws but also a synopsis of each. It will be desirable 

 for those who are interested to study all of them carefully, and 

 decide which one will best apply to their case. If the owner will 

 then advise the Conservation Commission which law he desires to 

 use, the necessary blanks will be sent. 



It should be remembered that Section 17 of the Tax Law applies 

 to woodlots only. The provisions of Section 89 of the Conservation 

 Law can not apply to any plantation already established, because 

 an agreement must precede the planting. Section 16 of the Tax 

 Law will apply to plantations made since April 10, 1909, if applica- 

 tion is made before April 10, 1913, but if anyone desires to avail 

 himself of this exemption, application should be made at once. 



This Commission has issued a publication, Bulletin No. 2, entitled 

 " Reforesting " which will be sent to any land owner free on applica- 

 tion. There are various other publications on forestry which have 

 been issued by this Commission, particulars of which will be found 

 on the last page of this Bulletin. They are for general distribution. 



Ace. 7. 3 



